barcelona restaurants

Breathtaking sights, salty sea air, and decadent dining; Barcelona is an exotic paradise for so many reasons. With all the city’s many unique attractions, you’ll see, hear, taste, and smell things you never even dreamed existed! The dining in Barcelona is especially amazing; good food surrounded by picturesque scenery is hard to beat! This city contains thousands of places to eat, with each and every one serving their own incredible dishes and treats. The abundance of restaurants here might feel overwhelming to a newcomer, however, so we’ve narrowed down a few of our favorites to help with your vacation itinerary! Discover some of the best restaurants in Barcelona, Spain, to enjoy a meal that you won’t soon forget.

5 of the Best Restaurants in Barcelona, Spain

Botafumeiro

Located close by to the picturesque Plaça de la Vila de Gracia, this is a great spot for some fresh, authentic seafood! Each dish served at Botafumeiro is carefully prepared to ensure that the flavors are genuine and satisfying. From lobster to calamari, these exquisite menu items are bound to fulfill even the most ravenous appetite! Don’t forget to save room for dessert; this fantastic restaurant is known for their sweet treats!

Restaurant Uma

Both visitors and locals alike rave about this one-of-a-kind hotspot due to its distinctive dishes and quirky atmosphere. Uma is constantly drawing countless, curious individuals who are dying to try their beautifully crafted and utterly delectable foods. These chefs’ passion for the art of food can be clearly seen through their creative and imaginative dishes with an astonishingly alluring presentation.

Salamanca

Ever wanted to dine right beside the bright blue waters of the Mediterranean? You can at Salamanca Restaurant in Barcelona! Not only do they have a picturesque backdrop for enjoying a great meal, but they also serve the best paella in Barcelona, a traditional dish that includes an abundance of seafood atop a delicious pile of rice.

Alta Taberna Paco Meralgo

Tapas is a dish native to the Catalan people; smaller portions of bite-size foods means you can try a wide variety of different dishes, all within one meal! Alta Taberna Paco Meralgo makes some of the finest tapas in all of Barcelona, served within a warm, welcoming environment. Indulge yourself in some heavenly dessert while you’re here as well; their menu includes a long list of sweets, from frozen chocolate truffles to cream-filled pastries.

The Box Barcelona

For a great place to eat that also offers a thriving nightlife, visit The Box Barcelona! Try Latin-influenced foods and drinks, then dance the night away in this energy-filled destination!

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Barcelona tourism can be described as containing countless thrilling activities and unbelievable sights. With so many innumerable things to do in this exotic city, you might feel lost when trying to choose the best attractions to visit while planning your trip. Fortunately, we’ve narrowed down these abounding activities to provide you with the ultimate Barcelona travel guide. Read about these areas we’ve highlighted to help you outline your dream vacation!

The Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide

Historical Sites and Museums

Barcelona tourism should always begin with history, in order to reveal insights of the city’s origins, background, and culture. Here are some of the most popular and amazing historical attractions that will render you speechless.

Barcelona tourism wouldn’t be legitimate without a trip to one of their many beaches! Although Barcelona has been recognized as the “best beach city” by National Geographic, these beaches weren’t actually used for leisure purposes until the 1990s. Today, however, they are some of the most ideal places to visit in the world! Discover these incredible Barcelona beaches.

Biking is a beloved pastime in Barcelona! Not only are there plenty of streets great for biking and bike tours, but there are also mountain trails that are perfect for biking through picturesque scenery of Spain. Check out some of the best spots for biking in Barcelona.

Barcelona nightlife is, without a doubt, some of the most amazing entertainment around. With its numerous beach towns and bars, this is a scene you don’t want to miss. Here are some of the best spots to experience Barcelona nightlife!

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It’s no wonder why our beautiful city is on every international traveler’s bucket list. There are so many things to do in Barcelona! Its numerous historic attractions, beautiful parks, and bustling city shops create the perfect atmosphere for an exciting vacation. To ensure that you get the most out of your vacation in Barcelona, we at bizFlats have compiled a list of the most fantastic activities and fun things to do in Barcelona, Spain!

The Top 10 Things to Do in Barcelona

1.Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

Barcelona’s Magic Fountain of Montjuïc has earned its name after a century of virtually uninterrupted, crowd-pleasing performances in the heart of one of the world’s most beautiful cities. The fountain’s waters are known to jump and dance in a rainbow of colors and to a diversity of melodies and pictures. The performances have earned a genre all their own and are now called water acrobatics, and considered one of the best things to do in Barcelona in June.

La Sagrada Familia Basilica

Located in the heart of Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia Basilica is a monument to Catalan culture dating back to 1882. Embracing the city and nation’s deep roots in Catholicism and talent in both design and architecture, this World Heritage Site is a beautiful and breathtaking symbol of both national and local identity. Although it is not finished, the ongoing project surrounding the Basilica’s creation is part of its intrigue and beauty. Wondering, why was La Sagrada Familia built, or when will La Sagrada Familia be finished? Read on to learn more!

Palace of Catalan Music

In the heart of downtown Barcelona you’ll find the Palace of Catalan Music, which is just as much an historical institution as it is a center for the arts. Featuring world-renown art in both performance arts and in fine arts, this is certainly a stop worth making on your trip to Barcelona. Whether you’re seeing a performance, taking a tour, or just walking by you won’t be disappointed that you visited that Palace.

Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter

You won’t just get lost in the history of the Barcelona Gothic Quarter but also in the amazing variety of things to do in this corner of the city that is among the most visited places by tourists and residents alike. With its labyrinthine streets, it’s best to pay extra close attention to your surroundings as it’s common to literally get lost in the area. Along with beautiful squares that make for the perfect place to relax for an afternoon with a bottle of wine or a good book, there are numerous great boutiques for shopping, a grand cathedral, and a lively nightlife. During your next visit to Barcelona, be sure to take a walking tour though the Gothic Quarter!

The Pablo Picasso Museum

Among the city’s many cultural attractions in Barcelona is the famous Pablo Picasso Museum, housing a sizeable collection of the Spanish artist’s lifeworks. If you’re an art enthusiast or at all interested in the life and works of Picasso, this museum is central to understanding his career and the extensiveness of his talent. Located on the Carrer de Montcada, the city’s most important stretch of mediaeval architecture, the Pablo Picasso Museum Barcelona building is a site to see in itself.

Las Ramblas

The Barcelona Ramblas is the most famous street in the whole city. Stretching for 1.2 kilometers through its midst, this street has been a central meeting place for residents since the 18th century. Originally situated outside the walls of the medieval city, Barcelona Ramblas was once the site of a flowing river. In fact, the word ramblas originates from the Arabic word ramla, meaning a sandy riverbed. When the walls came down and the river dried up, sometime around 1766, covenants, monasteries, and a university were built along this new city limit.

Barcelona’s Camp Nou

If you’ve ever happened upon Barcelona during a football match then you may have been surprised to see the red and blue streets filled with ecstatic fans cheering as if their very lives depended on victory. Catalonians couldn’t be prouder of their all-star team now sporting football heroes such as Lionel Messi, an idol of many Spanish youths, and soccer players around the world. Camp Nou was the team’s very first stadium in its inaugural year of 1957, carrying some of the team’s richest history in its bleachers as well as on the turf. Soccer fan or not, taking a tour of Camp Nou will provide a lot of insight into the heart of Catalan culture.

Poble Espanyol de Montjuïc

Located in the center of Barcelona, the Poble Espanyol de Montjuïc is Barcelona’s intriguing open-air architectural museum. Whether you want to take a tour, attend a special event or class or just wander its old streets and buildings for hours and maybe enjoy some delicious food and drink, a trip to Montjuïc is well worth it. It’s also not much of a trip since it is so centrally located, accessible by public transportation or even by foot or bicycle if you so desire. Enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean climate in the midst of Spain’s most famous architecture all within a few blocks of breathtaking buildings and alluring alleyways.

The Various Cathedrals in Barcelona

Exploring the cathedrals in Barcelona is one of the best ways for visitors to learn about the city’s history and architecture. With deep catholic roots, there is much to learn about Barcelona’s long heritage reaching back to medieval times by exploring the city’s many cathedrals and other holy places. Music is central to the experience, which you’ll discover as you tour the cathedrals in Barcelona and see or hear their enormous organs and perhaps even their majestic choirs. Another key characteristic to a cathedral is that they are the seat of a bishop, making it the central church of the diocese.

Barcelona’s Beautiful Beaches

Though Barcelona has always been on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, it wasn’t always known for its lively beach culture. The beaches in Barcelonaused to be almost entirely industrial space so they weren’t the most inviting destinations. As the city prepared to host the 1992 Summer Olympics, the governing powers began to reconsider Barcelona’s identity as a Mediterranean cultural center and decided to start cleaning up its beaches. Barcelona has since been known as one of Europe’s most recommended beach destinations where turquoise waters and white sand rub up against an epicenter of culture, history, and architectural beauty. With a climate as mild as on the Mediterranean, the beaches are beautiful year-round, though visiting the beaches here is one of the best things to do in Barcelona in July!

Even More Attractions in Barcelona, Spain

A list of the top 10 things to do in Barcelona barely scratches the surface of all the amazing reasons to visit our great city! Are you still wondering what to do in Barcelona? As locals, our list of favorite things to do here is quite long!

10 of the Best Restaurants in Barcelona

Barcelona restaurants are an attraction in and of themselves! Catalonian food is world renowned, and a visit to Barcelona and Catalonia in general wouldn’t be complete without enjoying as many fantastic restaurants as possible. There are plenty of romantic restaurants as well as amazing tapas restaurants in Barcelona to choose from.

The Opera is Spectacular at the Gran Teatre del Liceu

The Gran Teatre del Liceu is not only Barcelona’s premier opera house, but a historical institution founded on La Rambla in 1847. It is a symbol of the city’s diverse arts culture. Visiting the Teatre on La Rambla would be a great night out in Barcelona, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. A nice meander down the tree-lined, open air mall, and maybe a meal or cappuccino at one of the outdoor cafes would be a great precursor or finish to a show. This outing in the heart of Barcelona will be all but disappointing whether it’s your first time in Barcelona, or you’re just looking for something new to try in this wonderful city.

Go for a Hike on a Day Trip to Montserrat

Montserrat’s serene setting continues to attract not just spiritual pilgrims, but also naturalists and those in need of some time in mountains. This destination soaring above the Barcelona skyline, whose name means “sawn mountain”, makes not only for an incredibly unique horizon, but also a convenient natural retreat for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re heading on yourday trip to Monsterrat to visit the monastery, the museum or for an event, give yourself some time to explore one of the numerous hiking trails on the mountain. No matter your timing or fitness level there are varying degrees of difficulty to choose from, all offering breathtaking views and the peace and quiet unique to mountaintops. Taking a hike is one of the best things to do near Barcelona in the summer, especially in July or August.

Enjoy a Day Cycling the Serra de Collserola

Nearly bordering the city, Serra de Collserola natural park is a wonderful place to enjoy the wild beauty that surrounds Barcelona. From the sea to the mountains, this Catalonian city is not just a dream destination for urban junkies, but outdoorsy types as well, with everything from boating, mountain climbing, and cycling to participate in. Tours leave from downtown Barcelona daily to take groups exploring the area’s natural heritage. Whether you’re a road cyclist or a mountain biker, you’ll find the perfect routes at Serra de Collserola to explore. The views are spectacular and the terrain can be as challenging or laid-back as you’re looking for, with plenty of places to stop for bathrooms, food and drink along the way.

Inspire the Artist Within at the National Museum of Catalan Art

Located on Montjuïc Mountain where there is an overwhelming number of fantastic things to see and do, the National of Museum of Catalan Artcaptures the spirit of this unique region within Spain. While this is a place for art enthusiasts and certainly artists themselves, it is also a wonderful place for leisure and reflection, as its location offers a unique vantage point from which to see both city and yourself. Enjoy the art collection as well as the bird’s eye view of the city while you explore one of the Barcelona’s best art collections.

Dive With the Sharks at l’Aquàrium de Barcelona

Of the 450 different species living in harmony at l’Aquàrium de Barcelona, the sharks are by far the most popular, with many different activities to wow the crowds with their beauty and ferocity. This is the largest Mediterranean-themed aquarium in the world, meaning that the variety of sharks who call it home are all from the waters that surround the Barcelona Marina. Its six million liters of water are home to 11,000 different organism, all living happily with the sharks who also welcome divers and observers of all kinds. While reportedly a dangerous species, at l’Aquarium de Barcelona you’ll learn what they truly are. Visiting the aquarium is one of the best things to do in Barcelona with kids.

Visit the Joan Mirò Museum

Barcelona has long had a celebrated community of the arts, from incredible design and architecture throughout the city, to painters and sculptors like the amazing Joan Mirò, a Barcelona native known for his rebellious surrealism. If you have yet to visit the Joan Mirò Museum in Parc to Montjuïc in the heart of the city, it is well worth the trip and is easy to reach by public transportation or even on foot depending where you are staying when you visit.

Where to Enjoy the Views While Hiking in Barcelona

You won’t run out of great things to do and places to see in Barcelona though you may find yourself seeking some outdoor adventure to break up your urban exploring. While Barcelona is at the heart of Catalonia, the majority of this unique Spanish region is surrounded by beautiful mountainous country for hikes, backpacking, or rock climbing. If you’re interested in doing some hiking in Barcelona while visiting, there are plenty of options. Whether you’re inclined to grabbing a map and exploring the country on your own or would prefer to take a group tour, the experience will be breathtaking as well as enlightening as you begin to understand the Catalonian culture from a larger vantage. It’s one of the most fun things to do in Barcelona, Spain!

A trip to our fantastic city would be incomplete without a visit to at least one of these Barcelona, Spain points of interest. Explore this city’s vast history, culture and ascetic beauty from your home base at a great short term rental in the heart of Barcelona. Our vacation rentals are an excellent alternative to Barcelona hotels. If you’re making the trip to enjoy the best of Barcelona tourism, you may as well do it right.

Barcelona is definitely a tourist hotspot- for good reason! Its numerous historic attractions, beautiful parks, and bustling city shops create the perfect atmosphere for an exciting vacation. However, Barcelona is bursting with hidden gems that not many visitors usually find. If you’re looking to get off the beaten path and explore some lesser-known areas of the city, try these 5 activities to help you see Barcelona like a local!

5 Ways to See Barcelona like a Local

Find Great Deals at the Flea Market

One of the oldest markets in all of Europe, Els Encants is a thriving flea market in Barcelona. Open every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m, this huge collection of vendors and traders offer all kinds of vintage relics, authentic artwork, and much more. You’re bound to find your new favorite souvenir at this fascinating Barcelona attraction!

Have a Fantastic Dinner

If you want to enjoy authentic Catalan cuisine without the crowds of tourists, stroll through the beautiful area of Gràcia. This historical village is under the radar to most non-locals and contains several delightful restaurants, perfect for savoring a peaceful meal while appreciating a quieter portion of the city. There are several fantastic hole-in-the-wall restaurants and cafes in Gràcia, including Kuai Momos, an exotic spot serving dishes from all over the world, Botafumeiro Restaurant, which specializes in the freshest seafood, and Windsor, a classy joint that prepares traditional Catalan cuisine.

Get the Best View

Want to see Barcelona in a new way? Climb up to the Bunkers del Carmel, the abandoned anti-aircraft fortifications built during the Spanish Civil War, to see the entire city all at once. These towering structures sit atop the hill of Turo de la Rovira, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area. This little-known destination is high on the list of places not to miss in Barcelona.

Go Green

In order to better immerse yourself in the culture of Barcelona, you should explore Can Masdeu. A self-sustaining estate located in the Valley of Saint Genis just outside Collserola Park, this center houses a group of local inhabitants who want to shift their focus from the world of money. Instead, they put their efforts into growing organic produce and medicinal herbs and spending time together as a community surrounded by nature, rather than the noise and crowds of the city. Drop by this beautiful property to explore the building, grounds, and garden; you can also attend one of their workshops featuring topics such as activism and ecology.

Enjoy the Nightlife

There is a multitude of things to do at night in Barcelona! If you want to try a bar that isn’t overwhelmed with noise or people, there are several options available. You can stop by TimeLine in Gràcia for a quiet evening; this bar serves coffee, brunch, and small plates during the day; at night it transforms into a bar scene with professional bartenders (who are all multilingual to help visitors). Arena in El Born is another low-key joint; this bar is tucked away in an obscure part of town to create a more intimate and comfortable environment for playing pool and spending time with friends. Or, if you want to dance the night away, check out the many nightclubs in Barcelona! There are many spots by the beaches that are fun without being too packed.

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Now that you can’t wait to see Barcelona, check out bizFlats to book the perfect place to stay for your getaway! Our numerous vacation rentals create a comfortable environment so you can enjoy a good night’s rest in between your many Barcelona adventures. Check our availability today to start planning a trip you’ll never forget!

You can’t possibly visit Barcelona without a legendary tapas experience. Traditionally food to snack on at the bar, some restaurants have made a very sophisticated cuisine of tapas. Both the casual snacks of cheese, cured meats and olives, as well as the fancier slow cooked dishes served tapas style are worth your exploring. This fashion of serving small dishes encourages camaraderie, sharing, and delightful conversation. In some settings diners are even encouraged to stand and move around with the convenience of small, delicate nibbles of food. Some of these spots are actually so petite that the intimate environment offers no choice but to have a mobile meal.

Here are 5 favorite Tapas restaurants in Barcelona

Quimet i QuimetThis classic tiny tapas bar specializing in conservas (preserved shellfish) and montaditos (tapas over bread). Any seafood dish here is delicious. If seafood isn’t your favorite then you will definitely enjoy their various charcuterie tapas. You’ll want to arrive early for cocktails as this small places fills up fast.

La TietaThis is as traditional as it gets. It’s nothing fancy, but is good, old fashioned tapas served with choice wine, and flowing draft beer. You’ll get great, homey Mediterranean flavors of chickpeas, prawns and olives, with a delicious drink alongside it.

El Vaso de OroOne of the most famous bars in the whole city, El Vaso de Oro’s tapas are just as exciting as its extensive draft beer selection. The bar will be packed, no matter how many people are eating, so be sure to get there early. This is the spot for beer-lovers in the whole city, and the little bites will be a great pairing to whatever you’re drinking.

El Sortidors del ParlamentThis is a great place for wine-lovers with their stunning selection of vintages from around the world. Perched beside an old wine barrel you’ll enjoy wonderful wines and dried and cured meats. You will surely leaving feeling happy and full!

Tapas 24This is a great place to explore the modern tapas movement. Focusing on quality, local produce, Chef Carles Abellan draws a crowd for his oxtails stews, fried prawns and other signature snacks. If you’re a foodie, this is the place to go to check out what this beloved Spanish chef and restaurateur is doing to the tradition of tapas.

Tapas restaurants in Barcelona will mix this variety of history and nouveau cuisine experiences into a delightful night of food and drink. You’ll experience some of the traditional salty bar snacks of cured meats, cheeses olives and bread – which are surely designed to keep you thirsty! – as well as more modern takes on tapas dining. It will be an delicious and inviting night out in this beautiful city, as you mingle and eat communally. While staying in one of the luxurious bizFlats accommodations you’re sure to have a great tapas experience nearby as Barcelona is know for its food culture worldwide. You will definitely find something to your taste around this gorgeous city on the sea.